Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group

Review Paper

Sulfation of Glycosaminoglycans and its Implications in Human Health and Disorders

Abstract

Sulfation is a dynamic and complex posttranslational modification process. It can occur at various positions within the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) backbone and modulates extracellular signals such as cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions; different sulfation patterns have been identified for the same organs and cells during their development. Because of their high specificity in relation to function, GAG sulfation patterns are referred to as the sulfation code. This review explores the role of GAG sulfation in different biological processes at the cell, tissue, and organism levels. We address the connection between the sulfation patterns of GAGs and several physiological processes and discuss the misregulation of GAG sulfation and its involvement in several genetic and metabolic disorders. Finally, we present the therapeutic potential of GAGs and their synthetic mimics in the biomedical field.

Journal
Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering
Volume
19
Pagination
1-26
Publisher
Annual Reviews
ISSN
1523-9829
URL
http://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-bioeng-071516-044610
Keywords
Biomaterials, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, heparan sulfate, heparin, keratan sulfate
Rights
Restricted Access
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Status
published
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